How and when to apply yeast fertilizer to tomatoes

During the tomato growing season, special attention is paid to fertilizers. Many gardeners still prefer to use folk remedies instead of chemical additives. Yeast fertilizer is one such folk remedy.

It ensures rapid growth and development of seedlings, increases yield, and tomatoes ripen on the bushes earlier than usual.

Description and properties

Yeasts are microscopic fungal organisms that cause fermentation and develop beneficial microflora. When they enter the soil, these microorganisms break down organic matter, producing two of the most important micronutrients for tomatoes: nitrogen and potassium. Nitrogen is responsible for the formation of leaves and stems, while potassium influences the pulp and ripening time of the fruit. In addition to these elements, yeasts contain proteins, amino acids, and iron and magnesium compounds. These substances improve soil fertility and have a beneficial effect on seedlings.

Yeast supplementation has a number of advantages. These include:

1. Stimulates tomato growth, the effect is noticeable immediately after the first application.
2. Activation of root system development.
3. Increasing the resistance of tomatoes to frost, diseases and pests.
4. The stem does not stretch in height.
5. Ease of use and low cost.

Methods of application

The supplement is very easy to dilute, and the recipes are simple to use, but they do require careful proportioning. Yeast can be used either raw or as a dry powder. The effect is virtually identical. The best time to fertilize tomatoes is after transplanting. After two weeks, when the tomatoes have established themselves somewhat in their new location, apply the first feeding. Watering is primarily used; foliar feeding is rarely used and will not produce the same results. Three feedings per growing season are sufficient, no more. Excess yeast in the soil leads to organic depletion, and the amount of minerals in the soil also decreases.

The easy way

This recipe is especially useful if the seedlings were recently planted and are growing slowly. Mix 10 grams of dry yeast with 10 liters of clean, warm water and stir well. Add a tablespoon of sugar and place the mixture in a warm place for a couple of hours. During this time, fermentation should begin vigorously, with a foamy cap forming on the surface. This indicates the remedy is effective. Stir the mixture again and water the tomatoes under the bush. Each bush should receive no more than half a liter of the resulting solution. After watering, mulch the soil with sawdust or straw with some peat added. The procedure can be repeated after 14-20 days.

Herbal feeding

Another good way to provide young plants with essential micronutrients is to feed seedlings with a combined yeast infusion. Yeast can be combined with another organic or mineral fertilizer, increasing the strength of the supplement several times. Place any young grass tightly in a bucket, then cover with warm water and press. After 4-5 days, when the mixture has steeped, add half a liter of diluted liquid mullein and a teaspoon of yeast. To start the mixture fermenting, add a tablespoon of sugar and let it steep for another 2 hours. Before use, dilute the resulting solution by half and water the seedlings in the morning or evening.

A recipe for a powerful fertilizer

The recipe requires ash and diluted chicken manure. Organic fertilizers have an immediate effect, noticeable after the first use. Additionally, they reduce the risk of late blight, as ash has an antifungal effect. Dissolve a packet of dry yeast (10 grams) in 10 liters of water and mix in a glass of ash and liquid chicken manure. Add sugar to the mixture, let it sit for an hour, and then water the tomato seedlings.

Bread crusts

Since bread also contains yeast, it's used as a top dressing. Take a bucket, fill it halfway with bread crusts, add warm water, and let it sit for 4-5 days. The bread needs to ferment thoroughly, so place the bucket in a warm place. On the fifth day, add a packet of yeast and let it sit for another day. Then, filter the resulting mixture through cheesecloth and dilute it with water at a ratio of 1:10. Water the tomato plants with the bread infusion.

For beds and compost

Yeast can be used not only during tomato cultivation but also before planting, when forming beds or compost. Stir 500 grams of pressed yeast into 5 liters of warm water until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for a day at room temperature, then dilute with water at a ratio of 1:10. Water the bed or compost with the fertilizer a few days before planting.

Tips for use

When using fertilizer, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fertilizer is used only on moist soil, the soil should not be over-dried;
• the first feeding is carried out no earlier than 2 weeks after planting the seedlings;
• A yeast supplement can be used if the plants have recently been transplanted and are not growing well. For healthy, well-growing tomato plants, yeast is not used.
• Watering is done only under the roots of the bushes, trying not to get on the above-ground part of the tomatoes;
• frequency of use is no more than once every 2 weeks;
• During the fruiting period, feeding is stopped.

The most common mistake many beginning gardeners make is over-fertilizing. This will cause tomatoes to become overweight, leading to excessive foliage growth and hindering fruiting. After applying yeast, it's recommended to sprinkle the spaces between rows with powdered ash or crushed eggshells to replenish the soil's mineral balance.

Yeast fertilizers help grow a tasty and healthy harvest, resulting in high-quality, large tomatoes. However, thoughtless use of the supplement can be harmful to plants, so it's important to follow the recommendations and dilution ratios described above.